The Crash & Burn Cafe

Dan Getz, host of The Crash & Burn Cafe

At White Pines, we love it when one program leads to another. So we were delighted to discover Dan Getz, who appeared on the scene as an aide to one of our students with special needs. We got to know Dan through his gentle and compassionate support of our student, and the way he bravely participated in some of the games and exercises we run in Acting Out! our acting class for youth with special needs.

So how cool is it to learn that Dan is a stand-up comedian! After approaching White Pines' Executive Director Benjamin Lloyd about setting up a stand-up series at White Pines, it was only a couple of weeks before Dan and Ben had fleshed out The Crash & Burn Cafe, a once-per-month stand-up comedy series taking place the last Saturday of each month.

Tell us about how you got started doing stand-up? About five years ago I went to an open mic in Doylestown and I was hooked. The following week I told jokes on stage for the first time and have been doing it ever since.

Who are the other comics performing at the first show at White Pines? What are they like? Where have you and them performed before? Jake Mattera is headlining the show. He has been seen recently at festivals all across the country. Michael Brooks is in the feature spot. Michael has performed at LOL @ The Grand in Wilmington, The Comedy Connection, and The Comedy Works in Bristol. Megan Goetz and Brandon Mitchell will also be performing. Megan has been seen at Gotham Comedy Club, in The Bechdel Test Festival, and at Wisecrackers Comedy Club. Brandon can be seen once a month on his variety show Black History Monthly at the PHIT Comedy Theater.

Megan Goetz, appearing at White Pines April 29th

What attracted you to doing a stand-up series at White Pines? I began working with White Pines when I was assisting with their Acting Out class on Sundays. The room itself seemed like it would be a great place for stand up, and I'm excited to work alongside the great people who run it.

What's the one thing you think people don't understand about stand-up comics? This is a difficult question to answer. I think the most important thing would be to remind people that a lot of time and preparation goes into the jokes people tell on stage, and if you treat it like you would any live theater experience you're going to have a better time.

Who are the comedians you admire and why? I listened to a lot of stand-up comedy growing up, but I didn't start paying much attention to it until I heard Mike Birbiglia's "Two Drink Mike". The list has grown exponentially since then, but he continues to be one of my favorites.

If you could ask yourself any question in the world what would it be? "What would you ask yourself if you could ask yourself any question in the world?"

Don't' miss the debut of The Crash & Burn Cafe Saturday april 29th at 8:00 pm, doors open at 7:30. Featuring: